A Souling – A Fall Tradition at St. Peter’s School

November 4th, 2008

On Monday, November 3, the St. Peter’s School community went “a-souling”. Parents watched as the children and faculty formed a human chain that wound its way around the West Lawn. Ms. Mazza, the Music Director, rang the “souling” bell at the head of the line, while Upper School students led everyone in the singing of the Old English song “Souling.” As the children and their teachers re-entered the School, they were treated to “soul cakes” (ginger snaps). This tradition dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries and has its’ roots in parts of England where it used to be customary on All Soul’s Day for children to visit houses, sing the souling song, and collect soul cakes.